ASU researchers discover DNA-based electronic storage system

At Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what DNA can do — not simply by way of organic purposes, however as a constructing block for next-generation electronics.

In a new study, Josh Hihath, director of the Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, alongside along with his staff, demonstrated that DNA can perform as a totally electronic, chip-integrated reminiscence system. 

By exactly controlling how steel ions bind inside a DNA molecule, the staff was in a position to create, view and delete digital information on a nanochip they created themselves.

“DNA has long been referred to as a ‘genetic memory,’” Hihath mentioned. “We wanted to create a system that took advantage of DNA’s unique storage capabilities, but in a way that was directly compatible with electronic systems.”

Traditional DNA information storage depends on sequencing, which is a gradual, labor-intensive course of that isn’t appropriate with as we speak’s electronic gadgets. To overcome this, Hihath’s staff developed a brand new method that makes use of DNA’s chemical flexibility to retailer data electronically.

The system works by inserting steel ions (particularly silver and mercury) between bases within the DNA strand. Depending on the pH and the utilized electrical voltage, totally different ions bind to the molecule, altering its electrical resistance and successfully toggling between three distinct states: +1, 0 and –1.

These reversible modifications create a reminiscence system able to the identical features as a typical electronic storage machine, a significant step towards integrating organic molecules into solid-state electronics.

“The information in our DNA is stored as metal ions that coordinate with specific bases,” Hihath mentioned. “Changing the gate voltage allows us to shift the pH near the DNA and control which ions bind — letting us write, read and erase data.”

Achieving a steady and reusable DNA-based machine took years of labor. The staff used carbon nanotubes as ultra-small electrodes to carry particular person DNA molecules in place, permitting them to function for hours and even days with out degradation. In testing, the reminiscence machine was cycled 48 occasions, remaining readable all through.

“The biggest challenge was developing stable DNA-based devices,” he mentioned. “Our carbon nanotube architecture has made that possible.”

While the idea of DNA-based reminiscence may sound futuristic, Hihath sees speedy potential in different areas, particularly sensing and molecular management.

“DNA could be used as a sensor where the presence of certain analytes triggers a chemical reaction that modifies its electronic properties,” he mentioned. “It opens up possibilities in organic chemistry, drug discovery, catalysis and beyond.”

Being in a position to electronically management chemical reactions on the single-molecule degree may rework how researchers design nanoscale supplies and good methods.

The undertaking was funded by the National Science Foundation’s Growing Convergence Research program, which brings collectively scientists from totally different disciplines to sort out advanced issues. In this case, chemists, nanotechnologists and electronic engineers joined forces to create one thing no single area may obtain alone.

“Working with this diverse group has opened us up to new ways of solving problems and thinking about them,” he mentioned. “It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

For Hihath and his staff, this analysis isn’t nearly creating a brand new type of reminiscence, it’s about reimagining what’s doable when biology and electronics meet.

“It shows we can make stable electronic devices out of DNA, do controlled single-molecule chemistry and read it out electronically,” he mentioned. “That’s a foundation for real-world DNA-based technologies — and sensing systems may be the first to emerge.”